Kaghan Valley, Pakistan: Beauty Between Glaciers

Kaghan Valley is located in the north-east of Mansehra District of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. The valley is named after the town of Kaghan, a nice place which is at its best during summer (from May to September). In May, the temperature ranges between a maximum of 11 °C and a minimum of 3 °C. The Kaghan area extends 155 km, rising from an elevation of 650 m to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,170 m.

Kaghan Valley is Alpine in geography and climate, with mountains, dales, lakes, waterfalls, streams and glaciers that are dominating the landscape below peaks which reach over 5000 meters.

Saiful Muluk, named in a folktale as the meeting site of the lovers, is the main attraction in the valley and with its 3,224 m above the sea level, is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan. The water is spectacularly clear because of the surrounding glaciers that are reflected in the lake. It is accessible by road during the summer months or can be reached by tracking from the nearest village Naran, which is 10 kilometers away. Once you get there, try to look at Malika Parbat, a mountain peak of 5, 296 m which is guarding the valley.

Other beautiful lakes are Dudipat Lake, enclosed with high peaks and Lulusar Lake which is approximately 48 kilometers away from Naran and has an altitude of 3,330 m. It is surrounded by wildflowers in almost all colors imaginable.

Getting there

From Balakot , which is the major city in the province, you can get into the Kaghan Valley by car (a jeep is recommended) or other four-wheel vehicles; it depends on the weather and the recommendation of the locals.

Where to stay

You will find plenty of offers, depends on the budget or the location you pick. We suggest a place that is quite famous for its spectacular view and scenery called Shogran. This village, surrounded by peaks and forests, hosts the famous Siri Payee Lake mountain. Many private houses or motels can be found at a reasonable price. Or you can forget all that and sleep a couple of days in a tent, captive in an amazing landscape.